Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte (Emergent, Waterside / Marginal) |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Grassy |
Maximum Height | 1 m |
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | India, Central Asia, Eastern Europe |
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Native Habitat | Aquatic (Freshwater Pond / Lake / River) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Perennial herb with an erect growth habit. It can grow up to 150cm tall and has a creeping growth form. |
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Foliage | Linear, aromatic leaves have entire leaf margin and narrow to a fine tip. They are arranged in a fan-like shape and have a red base. |
Stems | It has a branching, underground rhizome. |
Flowers | The flowers are bisexual and consist of 6 tepals, 6 stamens and a sessile stigma. |
Fruit | The fruit is in the form of a berry. |
Cultivation | It is best grown under full sun, in consistently wet soil. |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: In Indian folk medicine, this plant is used in combination with other ingredients to treat inflammatory pain, headaches and migraines. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds in this species was demonstrated in a rat-based model by Muthuraman and Singh (2011). |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage |
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Landscape Uses | Coastal, Riverine, Pond / Lake / River |
Thematic Landscaping | Water Garden |
Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | Asian populations of this species may have a toxic compound in the roots known as asarone. North American and Siberian populations may lack this compound. |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
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Water Preference | Lots of Water |
Rootzone Tolerance | Waterlogged Soils (Does not Drain Site), Heavy Clay Soils |
Propagation Method | Storage Organ (Rhizome) |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
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References
References | Murthuraman and Singh. 2011. Attenuating effect of Acorus calamus extract in chronic constriction injury induced neuropathic pain in rats: an evidence of anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and calcium inhibitory effects. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 11. 24 |
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Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 29182 |
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Species ID | 3491 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |